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Youth to march against violence
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Associate Minister Tanya Reid of Christian Revival and Discipleship Center in Youngstown.
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Associate Minister Troy Hunter of Christian Revival and Discipleship Center in Youngstown.
The sponsor’s goal is to involve 2,000 participants in the Aug. 2 march.
YOUNGSTOWN — Troy Hunter and Tanya Reid, associate ministers at Christian Revival and Discipleship Center on the city’s South Side, see their mission of a youth march as a means to unite individuals, families, neighborhoods, churches, businesses, government and social service agencies.
Bringing people together in a common goal to “stop the violence and increase the peace” is what they’re after. The march coordinators aim to gather 2,000 young people Aug. 2 to proclaim their disdain for violence and what leads to it.
Though Hunter admitted the phrase “coming together” has been overused in response to violence, he said he believes there is validity and power when a unifying concept draws support of the majority.
“I’ve seen it before. ... Two years ago we had a march with some 600 kids,” he said, noting that the response revealed support. “We, as adults, want to instill in the youth that they can believe in something.”
Hunter said the previous march showed that “kids are sick of violence” and “tired of what causes it.”
Hunter and Reid said they see the youth march as a stand against violence. They noted that it’s not limited to young people; adults are welcome to participate. The march coordinators said they specifically wanted to involve participants of school-age and 25 and younger.
Young people can participate through youth choirs, gospel groups and rappers, spiritual dancers and flag lines, youth camps and sports leagues. The example of these positive activities pursued by many youth, Hunter said, will serve as a example to their peers. “I hope it will open doors so that they can experience new avenues,” he said.
Reid said she and Hunter didn’t want to overdo the “church connection” because for some that can be a turn-off.
She pointed out many young people in the city already are involved in church and church-affiliated groups. That group naturally will be involved, she said, and it’s important to reach those young people “on the fringe.”
Reid said another goal of the march is to motivate young people to get involved in productive and positive activities.
“The main focus is the kids on the outside of church ...,” Reid said. “It’s trying to give them a hope and vision. They don’t have a direction. As adults, it’s our duty to help them.”
The fun stuff — the music, the rappers, the dancers — are the means to get young people’s attention and involvement. The event also will include various food and craft vendors and displays by local agencies and organizations whose focus is youth. “We have calls out to youth-oriented agencies to be involved,” Hunter said.
Hunter and Reid acknowledged the march as a part of a citywide effort. They noted that individual churches are sponsoring activities to get youth off the streets and suggested coordination of projects to produce a bigger effect. “I’m a spiritual person and believe that God will open doors,” Hunter said.
Hunter and Reid said Christian Revival and Discipleship Center, 3300 Hudson Ave., is at the core of the march but is seeking community support. To participate or donate, contact Hunter at (330) 540-4133 or Reid at (330) 507-8971. Marchers will assemble in a parking lot near Youngstown State University, then march along Fifth Avenue to a downtown site where groups will perform.
The nondenominational church with a membership of between 500 to 600, focuses not only on spiritual needs. Hunter said the center is engaged in tutoring and mentoring programs and offers counseling.
linonis@vindy.com